Drácula

Dir: George Melford

Having recently watch the film Drácula there were many interesting camera movements throughout this film. During the scene when Renfield first is introduced to Drácula at the top of the staircase. The camera is in a long shot then once the bat flies over him we quickly glance at the bat in his point of view. Then he turns toward the center of the frame we then zoom in up the stairs to almost a low angle shot at what startled him and we are introduced to Conde Drácula. This shot is filmed this way to give us a quick shock at who is that person standing on the steps. Also, we they enter the dining room area you notice as Drácula moves toward the camera and then walks to the side of the frame you notice the camera does a wide angle shot to give us the impression of a deep focus on Renfield. Another thing to notice is when Renfield and Drácula arrive to London, there is a point of view shot of the people finding the dead crew on the ship, we follow their every move as they scan the ship for any survivors. Then it is a point of view shot of them looking at Renfield going crazy. Furthermore, there are also very distinct shots of focusing in on Drácula’s eyes. These shots were all close ups to draw our attention to his eyes as he controls his victims to show us what he is doing.

            The lights in this film have also are very interesting throughout the film because throughout the film Drácula’s face seems half shadow. This is probably put in the film to give the count an eerie and suspicious feel of the count. When you look at Eva, Harker and Van Helsing in the living room, the lighting seems really bright on them to give that impression of who is considered the protagonist are in the film in comparison to the antagonist the Conde.

            As you compare this film to the original Dracula (Browning, 1931) starring Bela Lugosi, there are very certain cinematography techniques left out. One is in this Spanish of Dracula, as the camera does a close up of the count staring at his victims, we do not get a close up of just the eyes as Bela Lugosi gets special lights under his eyes. This was used to get the full stare effect on his character, whereas the Spanish Dracula does not get that special lighting. Another comparison to is that in this Spanish film the lighting is very bright throughout the film compared to the English version which is very dark. This is possibly due to the setting and shooting of the film because the English version was being shot during the day and at night this version was being shot at night. This is where the possibility of extra lighting could be from. There are however some shots that are exactly the same as the opening of the coffin are both very similar in shots. Also, the climax when the count is carrying Eva and kills Renfield the same shot is applied to both the original and Spanish version.

            This film is definitely a masterpiece in cinematography in not just Hollywood history but Universal’s film library. It is considered a masterpiece because it does not have that gothic feel to the film like the original. In terms of cinematography this film has fluent camerawork that makes it give you that creepy chill on the set. This film not only has great cinematography but has a definite spot in the classic monster’s genre.